The Fight for Disability Equality

Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.4.13

Some religions have been at the forefront of supporting equality for disabled people.

The story of the blind man in the Bible is just one religious attitude to disability.
In this story Jesus tells his disciples that blindness is not a result of sin.
In Islam, the Hadiths show that Muhammad treated disabled people with kindness.
Perhaps as a response to the example of their founders, both of these religions have been at the forefront of supporting equality for disabled people.

'Through the roof' is a Christian charity, named after the Gospel story of a paralysed man being lowered through the roof of a house to seek Jesus' healing (Luke 5: 17-26).
It supports those with disabilities, and strives to see everyone valued equally.
'L'Arche' is a Christian, faith-based federation of people with and without learning difficulties, who live and work together to support one another.
'L'Arche' means The Ark, taking its name from the story of Noah and the flood.

Islam has never connected disability with sin.
It is seen as a challenge from Allah: Muslims are told they should treat disabled people with kindness.
One account from the life of Uman, the second caliph, tells of a man whose blind son could not reach the mosque for Friday prayers.
To grant him equal opportunity, Umar provides him with housing near the mosque.
In another account, a caliph orders that people with disabilities should have a special allowance and people to support them.

Saudi Arabia, a Muslim country, supports children with disabilities so they can stay in mainstream education.
This allows them the full range of educational and social provision.
The government supports disabled adults financially, so they can access a full range of opportunities.
They have an equal right to work, and to access public spaces, eg. shopping centres and parks.

Saudi Arabi's approach to disabled people reflects the Muslim understanding of the obligation to give Zakat.
This is not just seen as charitable giving.
Zakat is understood as an obligation to ensure that all people created by Allah can live in a just and equal society.
To give Zakat is central to Islam: it ensures that all people created by Allah can live in an equal society.

Test yourself on The Fight for Disability Equality